NFL Wildcard Round - Playoff Preview

I’m finally back after a long hiatus and have been fortunate to have been able to enjoy football along with the holiday season. And what a season it was! Without further ado, my Wildcard round preview:

NFC Wildcard

49ers v Seahawks – in San Francisco

The Niners have been playing clutch football since they lost their starter at QB in Jimmy G, and Brock Purdy has been even better. The addition of Run CmC to this offence has been a revelation, and while he hasn’t gone crazy on the ground, he gives the Niners another YAC bro to pick up chunks in the passing game. George Kittle has looked refreshed, and it seems that both sides of the ball are going to be healthier coming into the playoffs. The Seahawks snuck into the playoffs, with some up-and-down offensive play of late. Geno Smith has played as a top 10 QB, but looks like he may be fighting injuries. The only way Seattle wins on Saturday is by hoping that DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett can combine with Geno to make some big downfield plays, as the Niners D is elite against the run and has a ferocious pass rush. I don’t see it happening, and this could be the biggest beatdown of the weekend.

49ers 31 over Seahawks 10

Bucs v Cowboys – in Tampa Bay

Somehow, the Bucs have a home-game despite being downright terrible at points this season. That said, they are in, and have the greatest playoff quarterback in history helming an improving offence. The Cowboys looked at times like the most complete team in the NFC, with a beastly run game, incredible front seven, and Dak playing at a top-5 level. They have struggled lately, with injuries and inconsistent play on offence. Backing into the playoffs against Tom Brady is a recipe for disaster, and I can see them pulling out an upset that could actually spell the end for Coach McCarthy with an impatient owner wanting Super Bowl or bust.

Bucs 17 over Cowboys 13

Vikings v Giants – in Minnesota

The Vikings are a classic case of incredibly dynamic offence with a porous defense that has pulled out close games all year (in-fact the most close games in history). The Giants wisely rested many of their starters in Week 18, allowing Saquan and Danny Dimes to heal up in time for a sneaky run. I actually am getting 2011 Giants vibes here, with Jones playing the best of his career and the defense playing better. Will Kirk Cousins show up in a big game, or crumble as usual against a super-aggressive defence. The one big advantage I can see will be home field, as US Bank Stadium rocks. I think this is a pick-em, and have the Giants pulling out the upset over the Vikes.

Giants 24 over Vikings 16

AFC Wildcard

Jags v Chargers – in Jacksonville

The Chargers kept their starters in the game knowing full-well that they had their playoff position locked in. What is Staley thinking? My pick for potential coach of the year has made some head-scratching decisions this year, and Mike Williams may be the victim of this. That said, the Chargers have finally turned it around on both sides of the ball, and having Justin Herbert playing at a high level gives LA a chance against anyone. The Jags are the Cinderella team of the NFL, with a great string of play since about the halfway point of the season. Trevor Lawrence is living up to his potential, and can hit throws that few QBs can (see Herbert). This is an exciting matchup that will likely come down to the wire. Which QB will lead their team to victory at the end? I see Herbert getting one up on his rival, and this will be an exciting showcase of incredible young talent at the pivot.

Chargers 20 over Jacksonville 17 (OT)

Bills v Dolphins – in Buffalo

The Bills are coming into the playoffs on an unparalleled high, with news that critically injured safety Damar Hamlin has been able to return home to Buffalo and is recovering well. That combined with their inspiring win against long-time rivals the Patriots have the Bills riding high on the emotional rollercoaster that is the NFL season. Coach McDermott’s great leadership will allow them to settle the waters in time for their other rival in Miami. The Fins have run into bad QB injury luck, and are hoping to have Tua back for the game. They always have a chance with their explosive offence, but I think the Bills are just too strong and will roll Miami looking forward to their divisional matchup.

Bills 34 over Dolphins 21

Bengals v Ravens – in Cincinnati

The Bengals may be the hottest team in the NFL, with Joe Burrow playing MVP level football at the perfect time. They have picked up injuries on the O Line, but Burrow has showed his ability to thrive under pressure, and with weapons like Mixon, Higgins and Chase, we can depend on them for a big showing. The Ravens are still sweating on Lamar Jackson’s health, but I am getting weird vibes about Lamar. Is he holding out knowing full-well he will be the highest paid QB in NFL history come the offseason? If this is the case, we may never see him play for the Ravens again. Baltimore’s only hope is forcing turnovers that they convert into points, which I do not see happening.

Bengals 28 over Ravens 9

Wildcard weekend will help us determine who are the contenders and pretenders in the NFL this year. Here’s hoping there are some entertaining upsets.